solar thermal

Using the sun to heat your hot water.

Thermal

What are Solar Thermal systems?

Did you know that you can use the sun’s warmth to heat your hot
water? Fluid inside solar collectors (panels) on your roof
absorbs irradiance from the sun. It’s then pumped along pipes to
your hot water cylinder, heating up the water to a pre-set
temperature. Your boiler or immersion heater then tops up the
heat if needed, bringing the water to the temperature on the
thermostat. A solar thermal system works best in the summer
months when it can heat up to 90% of your hot water. Even in
winter, however, it still works by warming up the water before
the boiler heats it up to the required temperature. There are
two types of solar water heating panels:

1. Evacuated tubes

These are more efficient, but also more expensive. They
are recommended if you have a limited amount of roof space
available.

2. Flat plate collectors

These are less efficient so you’ll need a slightly larger
system. They can blend in better especially if fitted alongside
solar PV panels.

These panels can be fitted onto the roof or in a frame. You’ll
also need to have a new and larger hot water tank fitted.

Renewable Heat Incentive

The Government’s Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme will make
payments depending on the amount of heat generated. To qualify
for the RHI, you’ll need to have a Green Deal Report.

How can we help?

We can provide you with a Green Deal Report which is a key
criteria of the scheme and we can survey your property to see if
it is suitable for a solar thermal system and show you how much
you can expect to receive from the RHI. A Green Deal Report can
be provided for £100 inclusive
and we can also provide an independent solar thermal survey for
an additional £75.

For further information please visit here
for the RHI and here
for solar thermal systems.